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NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTOR PATHS
In urban areas, the streets typically are a continuous
grid that allow pedestrians to get places by the most direct
route. Impediments such as storm culverts and railroads typically
have frequent crossings. Many suburban areas have
neighborhoods with discrete typically wooded boundaries intended to
prevent through vehicle traffic. To go from one vicinity to the
next, one exits to a main street or highway. For those driving it's not
a problem. For those on foot it can add miles and force walks
along a noisy roads that require frequent dangerous feeder road
crossings.
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Railroad underpass
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Short connector paths, typically through wooded areas
or a stream valleys, allow a more direct route along safer roads. Some connectors
are paved and have expensive bridges crossing creeks, others cost
nothing, being basically 'desire paths' where those using them break
back over-growth as they walk. In many areas
these connectors exist but, being
undocumented, are of little use except to the few who know about
them.
Types of connector trials
- Stream valley
crossings
- Tunnels under roads and rail
- Between houses
- On municipal power or water line easements
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LOCATING AND DOCUMENTING EXISTING CONNECTORS TRAILS
& PATHS
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Municipal Comprehensive plans sometimes note formalized
neighborhood connectors and many walking
clubs particularly local chapters of American Volksport
Clubs, maintain
such information for walking event planning.
Municipal parcel property maps for non-commercial
parcels owned by park, water, and transportation
authorities. The presence of connectors can be often be
confirmed by computer using using free satellite imaging resources such
as Google Earth
Google Earth provides an easy vehicle for small groups
or individuals to document and publish known connector paths.
Small groups or an individual can easily note their known
connector locations.
EXAMPLE
GOOGLE EARTH MAP [requires
free Google Earth program]
Provides an example of relatively
comprehensive list of connector paths for an area south of
Washington D.C. in the covering Zip Code areas 22306
through 22309. (C) signifies neighborhood connectors
paths.
(R) signifies
a related pedestrian assets,
the location of year-round restrooms assets that are open daily
for the majority of the day.
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A cul-de-sac showing a desire path and a sidewalk thru a gated
fence
Click image for Wash DC Area
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GOVERNMENT POLICY
Durham
N.C. Example
ADVOCACY FOR NEW PEDESTRIAN CONNECTORS
Excerpt
from an example advocacy worksheet
 A no trespassing warning was posted at
an existing neighbor connector trail. [Pink line on left below]
County property parcel maps were used to find and document government
owned property that could be used to establish a new path. In
the case below the property was owned by a Park Authority.
PA's fear un-budgeted maintenance obligations. Initially
the PA 'trails coordinator' was asked only for permission to cut back foliage
along an existing deer path. Later, after usage was established,
additional help was requested via elected officials. In
some municipalities a trail implies a more serious undertaking then
asking to establish a path. Note parcel numbers were
included on the map to facilitate public support.
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For immediate consideration,
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FCPA consider marking a trail entrance where Wellington Road north of the stream terminates at the Park Authority property.
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FCPA add a few large rocks to facilitate stepping across the stream
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Add some crushed stone or wood chips to the muddy spots on the path.
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Property Parcel Map
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Long term, consider adding budget items to the FCPA spend plan to
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Improve path between the split in
Wellington Road (Green Line on Map)
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Provide a better stream crossing
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